Bahrain Updates #4: More updates from Bahrain for Tuesday, March 15, 2011
From: Colin S. Cavell, Ph.D. <ccavell@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 1:25 PM
Subject: Bahrain Updates: More updates from Bahrain for Tuesday, March 15, 2011
To: "Colin S. Cavell, Ph.D. @ GMail" <ccavell@gmail.com>
The political situation in Bahrain is escalating towards violence, class, ethnic, and sectarian conflict. The US, which stations the Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, needs to answer the question clearly of whether or not it will continue to support the Al Khalifa regime which has ruled the 33-island nation for over 200 years or support the majority of the population who desire democratic governmental structures. At present, it does not appear that the stand-off can be abated; instead, both sides are entrenched. The likely outcome is either the overthrow of the monarchy or the opposition will be beaten into submission, resulting in a bloodbath, with US-supplied weaponry. US citizens should contact their representatives and encourage them to act now.
Subject: RE: More updates from Bahrain
From: Colin S. Cavell, Ph.D. <ccavell@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Subject: Bahrain Update: graphic video and report from anti-government protester for events of Tuesday, March 15, 2011
To: "Colin S. Cavell, Ph.D. @ GMail" <ccavell@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Subject: RE: Update on the situation in Bahrain…
Yes, all in Manama were evacuated for two reasons; first because they are an easy target for bribes from gov and they're close to Lulu, second to make sure they don't get caught in the middle. Protesters didn't kill any of them randomly except for one Bengali who broke into a house in Manama and got into a fight with the men, he had a Ministry of Interior (MoI) ID which was shown online and on some news channels.
It's been a nightmare since yesterday. Government militias spread widely across the country and attacked civilians every where. Neighborhood watch groups were formed in all the villages and areas all around Bahrain. In mixed areas like Isa Town, it consisted of both Sunna and Shia men. There was serious shooting by MoI agents and riot police in their uniforms in Aali and Saar/Janabeya areas. By serious I mean live ammo was used in these areas, while only tear gas and occasional rubber bullets were used in the other areas, yes, we're at the stage where tear gas and rubber bullets are a merciful fate!
We barely got any sleep with the news of the GCC troops arriving and having all our brothers, relatives, neighbors and friends out there either in Lulu or in neighborhood watch groups. Today right before we went on the march to the Saudi embassy in Manama protesting against their troops arrival, they attacked Sitra, the attack lasted for at least 3 hours. Four men fell according to the news, one who was shot in the head with a fission bullet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gva-sCq813A and one another Bengali guy who was run over by the police as he was protecting women in Sitra (AlAAalam channel displayed footage). Aalam, Manar, Itijah, Press TV, BBC and CNN are now targeted heavily on Bahrain state tv which claims they are lying about the events in Bahrain.
Military in Sitra stole 6 ambulances and walked into neighborhoods dressed in their outfits. This picture shows them walking side by side with riot police and their guns in their hands http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188437_10150158061003072_203200448071_8112397_2312957_n.jpg
The strip below is of the victims of today. They shot anyone on the street and surrounded Sitra Health Center and prevented the injured from entering. After a couple of hours of shooting outside the Health Center, they shot tear gas inside.
They had rounds on other villages and areas with tear gas as well, but the severity of what was going in Sitra overcame any other news. News about thugs' attacks circulate all day through phones and online, some true, some false, but making us exhausted all the same.
Beside Saudi, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE are sending troops! Apparently, Al Khalifa don't feel like enough killing is going on.
I'm sad and I'm FURIOUS and fearful but determined. I will not rest until they're out. Enough is enough!
Much love and thanks for your news distribution,
[redacted]
Subject: Update on the situation in Bahrain…
From: ccavell@gmail.com
To: ccavell@gmail.com
They started killing people from Asian ethnicity in Manama. Workers who live in the margins of Bahrain are being killed cruelly. There are checkpoints in all parts of Bahrain. They are held by residences. This is not from watching state TV. I have encountered these things and managed to run away. I am trying to find a way to get a revolver for self defence. They got into the workplaces at diplomatic area and forced the workers to get out of the buildings. Large parts of the protesters have lost their minds. The rest is just there and watching.
I will be in touch with all of you today to discuss moving forward. PLEASE stay safe.
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Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Bahrain
March 14, 2011
The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the potential for ongoing political and civil unrest in Bahrain. We urge U.S. citizens to defer travel to Bahrain at this time. U.S. citizens currently in Bahrain should consider departing. On March 14, 2011, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure from Bahrain of eligible family members of U.S. Embassy staff. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Alert dated February 18, 2011.
Bahrain has experienced a breakdown in law and order in various areas of the country over the last few weeks. Demonstrations have degenerated into violent clashes between police and protesters on several occasions, resulting in injuries. There also have been multiple reports of sectarian groups patrolling areas throughout Bahrain and establishing unofficial vehicle checkpoints. On March 14, 2011, foreign military elements entered Bahrain. Spontaneous demonstrations and violence can be expected throughout the country. There is no indication that U.S. citizens are being threatened or targeted.
While demonstrations have not been directed toward Westerners, U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse.
The U.S. Embassy in Manama can be reached at (973) 1724-2700; the after-hours emergency number is (973) 1724-2957; the fax number is (973) 1725-6242. Demonstration Notices can be found on the Embassy’s website. U.S. citizens requiring emergency consular assistance may contact the Department via our website by going to the “Middle East and North Africa Situation” site.
U.S. citizens in Bahrain are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
Updated information on travel and security in Bahrain may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Bahrain, as well as the Worldwide Caution.
Shana L. Kieran
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Work week is Sunday-Thursday
Manama is 7 hours ahead of Washington, D.C.